«The future of fashion lies in thoughtful partnerships», interview with Bianca Saunders The designer tells us everything about her new collection for the Tate

For an independent designer, it’s not shows and presentations that are the best moments for growth, but collaborations, whether with hyped emerging talents or with prestigious artistic institutions. The new capsule collection created by Bianca Saunders for the Tate is proof of this: a line of four pieces available through the channels of the London museum, non-gendered and inclusive. Combining the artistic savoir-faire of the British designer - recognised worldwide for her ability to intertwine cultural identity and innovation - with the media impact of the Tate, the capsule fuels the dialogue between independent talents and cultural institutions. It thus establishes a new way of making fashion, far from exclusive runways and closer to the public.

«Because this was a small capsule, the process was very focused and intentional», Saunders tells us about the collection, which includes only a sweater, a T-shirt, a scarf, and a hat. Taking inspiration from the work of William Blake, in particular The Good and Evil Angels and The Simoniac Pope, the designer wanted to channel all her energy into a project that combined both the painterly sensitivity of the late 18th-century artist and his poetic depth. «I spent time studying his compositions and colour palettes, then looked for ways to translate that into wearable art - Saunders continued - It was about creating something subtle yet powerful, pieces that feel collectible, like extensions of the artwork, but still grounded in my world with fluid silhouettes». What particularly struck Saunders about Blake’s work was the painter’s narrative duality, who always included plays of light and shadow to show how good and evil, the spiritual and the human, cannot exist without one another. «I wanted to capture some of that emotional intensity in the garments - added the designer - Translating his imagery onto fabric became a way of bringing those contrasts to life through movement and texture, while also celebrating his deeply British, yet timeless, vision».

From now on, it is possible to enter the Tate and find yourself not only in front of an infinity of priceless works but also to discover them on your own skin. For a fan of Saunders’ work, being able to purchase one of her designs within one of London’s most visited art galleries must be quite an amazing feeling, as it surely was for the designer when the collaboration was proposed to her. «My earliest memory of the Tate was visiting as a student and being completely absorbed by how diverse the collections were, from classical pieces to bold, contemporary installations - Saunders recalls - Over the years, it’s been a source of inspiration and a reminder that creativity doesn’t have boundaries; it evolves through reinterpretation and exchange».

But the value of Tate for Saunders goes far beyond the material, with projects like Late at Tate, free after-hours events organised by young people every first Friday of the month with music, workshops, and performances, which over the years have opened their doors to many emerging talents who, like her, were looking for a space to express themselves amid the enormous London chaos. «It made it feel accessible, I made a lot of friends and met a lot of new people attending Late at Tate events and going to the exhibitions, that’s why I wanted to include my friends in the campaign», added Saunders.

The capsule created by Bianca Saunders for Tate is an example to follow for all art institutions that, like the English gallery, have the opportunity to support local independent designers. A view also shared by Saunders who, although now one of the most established names in London fashion, sees in such collaborations the chance to intercept new audiences «who value meaning and craftsmanship». Moreover, working with a prestigious institution represents a great opportunity for young designers to discover a new way of making fashion. «Working with an art institution allows you to slow down, research, and respond. It's less about trend and more about storytelling and context». Could this be the future of independent brands? Abandoning the runways and joining already established realities to contribute to local culture? «Definitely», replies Saunders. «They give designers space to explore ideas without the pressure of constant production cycles. I think the future of fashion lies in these kinds of thoughtful partnerships where creativity, culture, and purpose come together in a way that feels both artistic and accessible».